5 12 divided by 2

Guri Bee

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23-10-2024

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5 1/2 Divided by 2: A Step-by-Step Guide

Many people find division with fractions to be a bit confusing, especially when mixed numbers are involved. This article will guide you through the process of dividing 5 1/2 by 2, providing a clear and concise explanation.

Understanding the Problem

The problem "5 1/2 divided by 2" can be represented mathematically as:

5 1/2 ÷ 2

Before diving into the calculation, let's understand the core concept of division:

• Division represents splitting a whole into equal parts. In this case, we are splitting 5 1/2 into two equal parts.

Converting to an Improper Fraction

The first step is to convert the mixed number, 5 1/2, into an improper fraction. Here's how:

1. Multiply the whole number (5) by the denominator of the fraction (2): 5 * 2 = 10
2. Add the numerator of the fraction (1) to the result: 10 + 1 = 11
3. Keep the same denominator (2): 11/2

Now our problem looks like this:

11/2 ÷ 2

Dividing by a Whole Number

Dividing by a whole number is essentially the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. The reciprocal of 2 is 1/2.

Therefore:

11/2 ÷ 2 = 11/2 * 1/2

Multiplying Fractions

To multiply fractions:

1. Multiply the numerators: 11 * 1 = 11
2. Multiply the denominators: 2 * 2 = 4

This gives us the answer:

11/2 ÷ 2 = 11/4

Converting Back to a Mixed Number

The final step is to convert the improper fraction 11/4 back into a mixed number:

1. Divide the numerator (11) by the denominator (4): 11 ÷ 4 = 2 with a remainder of 3
2. The quotient (2) becomes the whole number of the mixed number.
3. The remainder (3) becomes the numerator of the fraction.
4. The denominator (4) remains the same.

Therefore:

11/4 = 2 3/4

Conclusion

The answer to 5 1/2 divided by 2 is 2 3/4.

Key Takeaways:

• Converting mixed numbers to improper fractions simplifies the division process.
• Dividing by a whole number is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal.
• Always check if the final answer can be simplified or converted back to a mixed number.

This step-by-step guide provides a clear understanding of how to divide mixed numbers. Remember to practice and you'll soon master this fundamental arithmetic operation.